Given that the latter was a remake of a DS game, I'm not surprised (for reference, the N64 could've outperformed the DS).

I don't actually think that's it. I looked through a lot of pics of the DS version and I really think it's because they changed the camera angle but left the environments the same. They were designed to be looked at from above whereas when you get a sweeping shot across a whole town, they just look kinda unnaturally designed. Like a set of buildings have just been dropped into segments next to each other. Some DS games were designed for those kinds of wide-open views and would look fine in this kind of remake, Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals comes to mind.So I guess that half-contradicts my claim that they've lost skill in their artwork. But that's the impression I got from looking through the DS pics.

Bandai Namco Europe has been really pushing their products. Hideo Baba nearly lives here during the summer what with all the events he goes to, they share releasedates in a very timely manner and so on. (Fun fact: I've heard some editors at publications say they're not quite sure what to do with BNE's... enthusiasm. Like, do these games actually sell? To an audience that also reads their magazine/website?)

I think the more important question is if they fixed any parts of Zesty or is it a straight port?But honestly, my love for Tales games makes me stupid happy that the older titles are finding a home on Steam!

In any case, I wonder how the game will be recieved on Steam. Looking at other Japanese consoles games that found their way there, people fall into two camps: the people who are just happy they can play those games (and would love to have even more) and disapproving representatives of the PC master race.